The International Criminal Court rejected a plea for interim release by former President Rodrigo Duterte and ordered ''the continued detention'' of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague in the Netherlands, a decision released Friday said.

The plea by Duterte's lawyers centered on his age and his medical condition.

The court said the humanitarian considerations for the 80-year-old Duterte's release, it said ''it does not explain to what extent (this)... would justify his interim release.''

It added that ''there exists a risk that, should he be released, Mr Duterte continue committing the crimes charged against him or related crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction.''

The court also said there is a possibility that Duterte will not stay in the country which has accepted him if his plea for interim release is approved but in Davao City.

The court said Duterte has access to medical care and that visits by his family continue.

''The Chamber notes that Mr Duterte’s daughter allegedly indicated on 19 August 2025 that Mr Duterte had told her that he wishes to return to Davao City, should he be granted interim release... in contradiction with the Defence’s assertion that he would remain in the State he would be released to. The foregoing illustrates Mr Duterte’s rejection of the proceedings against him before the Court, and the will of his close family to help him elude detention and prosecution, '' the court said.

Duterte was arrested by the Philippine National Police and Interpol on March 11 and was flown to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity during his war on drugs when he was president from 2016 to 2022.

Duterte was supposed to face a confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23 but his lawyers filed a petition seeking his interim release due to his age and medical condition. DMS